Letters from His Soldier

by Anna Lee

Hi, I’m Anna Lee and I’m here to talk about my latest release, His Soldier. I wanted to say first a big thank you to The Blogger Girls, for having me here today! And thank you to everyone who stops by. ☺

I first got inspiration from a song to write His Solider. I had the idea that Dean would lose his brother, Dax, and that loss would be felt throughout the story. At the same time, I wanted it to be a story of hope and finding love. So, Dean is an English teacher and a bookworm, he finds solace in writing and his books. As a way to cope and honor his brother, he becomes an Army pen pal to Ryder. I thought about all the ways that we communicate nowadays: email, text, phone, letters, Skype, etc. I went with them first connecting through letters because I think they’re really personal. As Dean says, “Everything is so techy now, you know email, texts, and written letters are rare. I guess that was part of the appeal, this just feels more important taking the time to write by hand. And you deserve that.”  Letters can be intimate and allow people to talk privately. It’s also something that Ryder could hold on to and keep close.

I did have a pen pal in middle school. One of my friends, she wrote me every week over summer break when I went through a rough patch after losing my grandma. I remember how much it meant to me that she took the time to do that. I knew she really cared and it was nice to have someone I could talk to. I also remember how excited I was back then waiting to see when the next letter would come in the mail.

I don’t have any military experience, though I do have people in my family who have served. I did do an extensive amount of research. It was important for me to get it right, and make it as real as Dean and Ryder felt to me. So, I read up on forts, camps, mines, squads, etc. I also had a few friends with military experience and went to them for advice a couple of times. They were very helpful.

I also did a lot of research on Ryder’s injury and prosthesis. One of the first scenes I wrote was when Ryder and Dean first meet, so I knew right away the story I wanted to tell with them. Ryder’s changed and he thinks he’s broken, but Dean’s not about to give up on him.

Thanks again and happy reading! ☺

Random Author Questions!

7 – What’s in your nightstand you don’t want anyone to see?

I don’t really keep anything in my nightstand, stuff is scattered about so nothing to hide really.

8 – What’s your favorite meal?

Fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

9 – What’s the worst thing you’ve ever put in your mouth?

Food wise? Frog legs. Though, I’ve tasted some pretty nasty medicines.

About His Soldier

Sometimes you find love where you least expect it. For Sergeant Ryder Brooks that’s writing letters home to Dean Anders, his Army pen pal.

After a tragedy, as a way of honoring his brother and trying to cope, Dean becomes an Army pen pal to Sergeant Ryder Brooks. The two connect through letters and phone calls for a year, falling in love and making plans to meet when Ryder finishes his tour. However, in an effort to save one of his men who stepped on a mine, Ryder loses his leg. Broken and depressed, he doesn’t think Dean will want him. But once Dean learns what has happened, he immediately goes to Ryder, determined to help him heal and show him that he loves him no matter what. Ryder has a long road of recovery ahead of him, but with Dean’s support, he realizes that his life isn’t over, it’s just beginning—if he’ll only give them a chance.

Available at: Totally Bound & Amazon

About Anna Lee

Anna Lee graduated from the University of California Riverside with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing. Living with a disability, she has overcome many challenges and puts her passion for life and love into her writing. She lives with her family and dogs and enjoys writing late into the night. When she isn’t writing, Anna enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew or chatting with her friends about her favorite books and TV shows.

Find out more about Anna on her Facebook, Twitter or Website.

As part of this blog tour, Anna is giving away a PDF copy of His Soldier to one lucky winner!! To enter, just click the link below!

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Please be aware that the only way to enter the giveaway is to click the Rafflecopter link above. Any comments on this post will not count towards entering the giveaway unless otherwise stated but are still welcome anyway.

Don’t forget to check out JustJen’s review of His Soldier to see what she thought of it!

Good luck!